GP2 follows F1 with new tyre and points changes

The GP2 series has followed F1 in the introduction of “prime” and “option” tyres for the feeder series in 2012.

As well as this, the series will also adopt the 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1 points system – for the Saturday race only. On the reversed grid (top 8 drivers only) Sunday sprint race, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 points will be awarded.

The Saturday pole position driver will receive 4 bonus points, with the driver taking fastest lap in either race earning 2 points.

In similar fashion to F1, GP2 drivers will now have to carefully manage their tyre supply over a race weekend. 3 sets of “primes” – the harder tyre – and one set of “options” – the softer compound – will be allocated to each driver for the weekend.

The prime tyres must be used at some point in the Sunday race, and the mandatory pit stop for the Saturday race remains unchanged.

GP2 CEO Bruno Michel explained the changes, citing both relevance to F1 and cost reduction as reasons for the new regulations:

"Our series’ main goal has always been to prepare them [drivers] to Formula 1, and
so far we have been very successful at it.
More than ever, tyre management is key to how quickly young drivers can adapt to
the pinnacle of motorsport. However, although we will introduce a second compound,
we have decided to keep only four sets of tyres per race weekend in order to control
the costs.
It will be interesting to watch as our teams will put in place the best possible
strategy. It will add even more suspense, but it will also make tyre management all
the more delicate."

In comparison, F1 drivers each receive 11 sets of dry tyres (6 prime, 5 option), as well as 4 sets of intermediates and 3 sets of extreme wets.